Ford Reviewing 1,000 App Submissions for SYNC SDK

Speaking at the CTIA trade show last week, Ford said it is currently reviewing 1,000 submissions of application developers that would like to leverage voice recognition through its Ford SYNC platform for safer app control while driving. The company initially opened its Software Development Kit (SDK) to three app partners: Pandora, Stitcher and OpenBeak. it is now gradually offering the SDK to new application developers.

Ford is first considering applications that provide personalized entertainment information such as Pandora, Stitcher and OpenBeak; Location-based services including navigation, traffic and business searches; Notifications and alerts leveraging SYNC's ability to mash up vehicle information, GPS locations and more, Financial apps that, for example, provide alerts such as stock price drops or overdrafts and, in the future, drive-by payments; Scheduling and planning apps that could include notifications of flight status, for instance, in the event flights are delayed or rescheduled.

"We know we can do better things for our customers by allying with the companies that provide the devices and services they already use, trust and value," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development, to the wireless telecommunications community at the trade show.

"What we see emerging as we explore new ways to safely enhance connectivity and reinvent the driving experience is a mutually beneficial 'collaborative community' where our shared customer -- anyone who drives a car and owns a smartphone -- is the true beneficiary."